Actions for the Week

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This Week’s Actions

1. Call your state MoCs and Governor Greg Abbott’s office at 512-463-2000 to use the state’s rainy day fund to help Texans impacted by Harvey

According to the state comptroller’s office, Texas has the largest rainy day funds in the country at $10 billion. In order to tap those funds for Harvey relief, Texas Governor Greg Abbott would need to call a special session to have the legislature vote. So far, the Governor has said he does not plan on calling a special session. Well, it rained in Texas. A lot. Seems like the prime time to put those funds to good use.

Say: “Hi, I’m a constituent of Senator/Representative _____ and I’m calling to urge them to push the Governor to call a special session in order to release some of Texas’ rainy day funds to go toward Harvey relief. Texans are in an hour of great need, and not tapping into the rainy day fund is irresponsible. [Tell your Harvey story] My zip code is ____.”

Say: “Hi, I’m a resident of Texas and I’m calling to urge Governor Abbott to call a special session to release some of Texas’ rainy day funds to go toward Harvey relief. Texans are in an hour of great need, and not tapping into the rainy day fund is irresponsible. [Tell your Harvey story] My zip code is _____.”

One of the reasons the President gave for ending DACA was lawsuits from state Attorneys General, including Texas’ own Ken Paxton. Paxton claims that DACA’s issuance amounted to overreach by President Obama, yet DACA has held up to numerous legal challenges. Let’s flood his phone lines to make sure he knows that Texans support DACA.

For more: Texas Tribune: Paxton’s Tuesday Deadline on DACA Decision Still StandsSay: “Hi, I’m a resident of Texas and I’m calling today to urge AG Paxton to drop his lawsuit over DACA. Not only has DACA held up to numerous legal challenges already, Texas are far to busy working on Harvey relief to support this frivolous, politically motivated lawsuit over DACA. It’s really disturbing to see where Mr. Paxton’s priorities lie. My zip code is ____.”

Last week, mid-Harvey, a judge temporarily blocked portions of SB4, the state-sponsored discrimination law. With the law blocked, local law enforcement are able to prioritize public safety. Could you imagine if SB4 had been in place during Harvey, and police and other first responders would face penalties if they didn’t ask residents their status as they were being rescued? Or how many Texans would have (and did) hidden from authorities for fear of deportation instead of getting help they needed to simply survive? Keep calling your state, county, and city elected officials and urge them to do everything they can to reverse this terrible law.”

For more: Star-Telegram: Opinion – SB4 InjunctionSay: “Hi, I’m a constituent of _______ and I’m calling to urge them to do everything in their power to strike down SB4. Any Texas who “backs the blue” should be against SB4, as it prevents police from prioritizing public safety. On top of that, it will lead to racial discrimination which is not something that Texans value. My zip code is _____.”

4. Find out if your state House member voted for HB 1774 which weakens consumer rights

During the regular session, the Texas legislature passed HB 1774 which weakens consumer rights when it comes to weather-related insurance lawsuits. That means that if insurance companies don’t process Harvey-related claims in a reasonable timeframe that consumers have less leverage to go after them. Find out more about the law and see if your state MoCs voted for this legislation that hurts Texans.

In the coming weeks, and importantly to prep for the 2018 elections, Indivisible TX Lege needs your help! Let them know how you can help create a Texas that better reflects the rich diversity and empathy of its residents.